Singapore actor Elvin Ng is mourning the loss of his beloved rescue dog, Bagel, after making the painful decision to euthanise the 17-year-old beagle following a decline in her health.
The 45-year-old Mediacorp actor shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Aug 18, posting photos and memories of Bagel and reflecting on the nearly nine years they spent together.
For Ng, however, saying goodbye was not simply a decision about an ageing pet. It was an emotional choice he described as one of the most difficult actions he had ever taken.
A Rescue Dog Who Became Family
Bagel was already around eight years old when Ng adopted her from animal welfare group Voices For Animals. She had spent much of her early life facing challenges, including recurring skin problems, but gradually became more confident after joining Ng’s family.
Ng previously described the adoption as deeply rewarding, recalling how Bagel slowly began making eye contact, playing and becoming more comfortable in her new surroundings.
Over the years, the once-timid rescue dog became a cherished member of his household.
Ng remembered Bagel as a remarkably resilient dog who rarely showed obvious signs of pain.
“She was a brave, resilient and simple dog,” he wrote in his tribute, describing her as a “real tough Beagle” who never appeared to complain even during painful moments such as injections.
The Decision No Pet Owner Wants To Make
As Bagel grew older, her physical condition deteriorated.
Ng said that although her body had become frail and weak, her eyes remained bright and alert. With veterinary advice, he ultimately decided to let her go peacefully because she was believed to be suffering and potentially had only days remaining.
The decision left the actor wrestling with grief and guilt.
“I felt I could have done better for her in her later years,” Ng wrote, reflecting on the fact that Bagel could not spend as much time in certain parts of the home because of her recurring skin condition.
His emotional reaction has resonated with other pet owners because euthanasia can force families to make an agonising distinction between keeping a beloved animal alive and preventing further suffering.
Ng’s Tribute: “I’ve Learnt So Much From You”
Despite his pain, Ng’s farewell was also a celebration of Bagel’s life.
He described her as a happy-go-lucky companion who faced adversity with a quiet toughness and wished that she would now be “happy and free”.
The actor also thanked the people and organisations who had cared for Bagel throughout her life, including Voices For Animals, Spring Veterinary Centre and June’s Pet House.
Ng’s tribute was met with an outpouring of support from fellow Singapore entertainment personalities, including Zoe Tay, Kym Ng, Desmond Tan, Romeo Tan, Pierre Png, Felicia Chin, Chantalle Ng and Sheila Sim.
Bagel Was More Than A Pet
Ng’s relationship with Bagel also reflects a broader story about senior rescue animals and the bonds they can form with their adopters.
When he adopted Bagel, she was already about eight years old — an age when older shelter animals can often face greater challenges finding permanent homes.
But Bagel went on to spend roughly nine years with Ng and his family, reaching the age of 17.
The Straits Times reported that Ng remembered how Bagel became increasingly playful and affectionate after being adopted, while also noting that her final years were complicated by declining health.
Other reports have highlighted the same central theme in Ng’s farewell: although he is struggling with the decision, his choice was made with the belief that it was the kindest option for Bagel at the end of her life.
A Painful Goodbye, But A Last Act Of Love
For many pet owners, euthanasia remains one of the most emotionally difficult decisions they can face.
Ng’s story is particularly poignant because Bagel’s bright eyes and resilient personality made the decision even harder. Yet his account suggests that his final choice was ultimately about putting her welfare ahead of his own desire to keep her with him.
After nearly nine years together, the rescue dog who entered his life as a senior pet had become part of his family — and leaving her behind has clearly left a profound void.
Ng ended his tribute by reflecting on the lessons Bagel had taught him and wishing her a happier, easier life wherever she may be.
For a dog who had already overcome so much before finding her forever home, Bagel’s final chapter was marked not by abandonment, but by the people who chose to love her until the very end.
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